What does it mean to be an Iowan? by Edith Milovanovic

We Create Here was an initiative within the Gazette Company to develop evolving narratives and authentic conversations throughout Iowa's Creative Corridor. read more

I was born and raised in Clinton, Iowa and lived in Iowa until I was 33. It has been 10 long years since I have lived in my beloved state.  Only a true Iowan knows the pain of not living in Iowa for that length of time. I spend most of my free time devising the plan that will bring me back to Iowa in the shortest amount of time.

Living in a different state, and working in education, has afforded me the opportunity to understand the difference in education between Iowa, and well, every other state.  The Iowa Test of Basic Skills and the ACT, actually, I think that is enough said. I miss my conversations with Iowans concerning politics, world issues, and the best strategies for saving the planet. These conversations occurred naturally, and randomly, usually while in a checkout line at the Hy-Vee.

I miss being able to drive and not being stuck in traffic, for hours. I miss corn. A lot. Not just the taste of Iowa sweet corn, but the true majestic beauty of corn fields. I miss the vermillion color of Iowa in the summer. I have yet to see the green of Iowa anywhere else.

I miss Eagle Point Park and the view of the Mississippi. There is nothing to compare to the bluff area overlooking the “pool." My mother is buried in a cemetery attached to Eagle Point in a beautiful, peaceful setting, where you can hear birds singing and the wind rustling the leaves of the trees.

I miss the change in seasons. The crispness of the air in the fall and the “bite” of the winters. I miss summer and how the days could be extremely hot, but at night there was always a cooling in the air. Somehow, each seasonal change lets you know you are alive, and that life is good. I miss seeing stars in a wide-open, clear sky. Iowans know what I am talking about here.

Being an Iowan means having friends you consider family because other Iowans are already your friends. It means purchasing “Iowish” t-shirts and having them shipped to another state so you can let everyone know where you are “really” from. It means being able to be who you really are and not being judged or marginalized. Something I really understood when I had to leave Iowa.

To be perfectly clear, when I finish my doctorate, all of my energy will be put into my “escape” plan back to Iowa. I just want to enjoy and appreciate the rest of my life by enjoying and appreciating everyone around me.

I am an Iowan!

Many were about the harsh climate and brutal Iowa winters. Some were about Iowan pride and bonding with fellow Iowans across the nation. Others were about a love of working on the land. All the winning essays in We Create Here's Iowa Summer Essay Series answered this question: “What does it mean to be an Iowan to you?” On July 1, we published the first of ten selected entries over the course of summer. Today's essay was written by Edith Milovanovic. The seventh essay will be published on Aug. 12. Follow along with the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #BeingIowanMeans and #wecreatehere.Thanks to #IowaBrag and PickYourPace.com for support of this series.